DUNEDIN, Fla. (WFLA) — Drone operator John Yanchoris captured an incredible look at symbiosis in action.
Footage taken last week at the Dunedin Causeway shows a school of fish closely following a shark as it swims around.
A few minutes later, a manatee drifts a little too close and finds himself similarly surrounded by the school.
Fish will often trail sharks to snatch up their leftovers or even eat parasites that live on the skin of some species.
Herbivorous manatees, on the other hand, can provide a safe shadow for fish to hide in to keep them protected from predators. The fish could also be snacking on algae that can grow on manatees.
Whatever the case may be in this scene, the shark and manatee don't seem too bothered by the presence of the fish, making it a great example of mutually-beneficial symbiosis.
